Senate continues confirmation votes on Obama picks

The Senate has approved another of President Barack Obama's nominees as it wraps up a week of near round-the-clock confirmation votes.

The Senate cleared Heather Anne Higginbottom to serve as a deputy secretary of state on Friday after approving Deborah Lee James, as Air Force secretary.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Republicans have agreed to delay other votes that were expected through the weekend. Republicans had forced the Senate to stay in session - with prolonged overnight breaks - to clear several, mostly noncontroversial nominees after Democrats changed Senate filibuster procedures.

Some votes will be held Monday, including confirmation of Jeh Johnson, Obama's pick to run the Department of Homeland Security. Reid says the Senate will vote on additional nominees next week, including Janet Yellen as Federal Reserve chairman.